John Quincy Adams
July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848
Federalist
Terms in Office: 1825-1829
Vice President: John C. Calhoun
THESIS
As the sixth president of the United States John Q. Adams deserves an C+ for his efforts. Although he was known for specific things like foreign policy and international negotiations he lacked a connection with the people. Adams was not able to obtain a great network of supporters even though he maintained American values. Leading during the ear of modernization he was involved in the development of communication, transportation, and infrastructure. With techonological advances came a new sense of religion, exchange of goods and a strong flow of money. These things were important but without instilling a sense of inspiration and hope within the people, Adams could not achieve his full potential.
GOALS
Adams had his mind set on an America with a stable economy and strong central government. He enforced a high tariff in order to make international improvements. He encouraged railroad building and a national bank for productive enterprise. Although Adams had all these goals in mind it was difficult for him to achieve them without the support of his political party and the public. The projects which progress was made on were: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Dismal Swamp Canal, connection of the Great Lakes, Portland to Louisville Canal, and the extension of Cumberland road. Adams signed the tariff of 1828 which hurt the south because they had to pay higher prices for the products they did not produce. This tariff caused Adams to lose popularity in the south and the people were angered. Another important factor of Adams presidency was the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine ensured that the west would not continue to become colonized by Europe. Overall, the main goal of his presidency was to improve the lives of Americans by providing better schools and a stable industry.
CONGRESS
Unable to demand public support Adams didnt have and genuine relationship with congress. His internal improvements and slowing down westward movement caused some to believe that he was a partner of the "corrupt bargain" to get Clay's support. When certain members of his cabinet began to oppose him he refused to let them go and even thought about appointing Jackson. In 1827 Adams and Clay set up the "National Republican Party". It was not popular within the stated and Adams soon lost control of congress. If Adams would have replaced the members that supported Jackson he would have been able to have more support and less obstacles.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE OUTCOMES
Adams had a hard time as president and some people even consider him a failure but his time in office was vital to the growth and expansion of America. Without the motive and drive of Adams we might not be as technologically advanced as we are today. He paved the way so that American industry could prosper. Many didnt support his reforms or tariffs but he was driven enough to push them as far as he could. I believe that Adams wouldnt have been seen as such a big failure if he had not been involved in so many schemes and rumors. He seemed more interested in pushing the country rather than pushing the relationships with those around him.
FUTURE IMPACT/CONCLUSION
Overall Adams presidency had a major impact on the amount of development of the United States. There was more access to other parts of the country and we had better means of contacting one another. In the election of 1828 Jackson overshadowed him with the hope and support from the people. Adams name and presidency may have been considered a bad phase in the past but his contributions remain.
John Quincy Adams
July 11, 1767-February 23, 1848
Federalist
Terms in Office: 1825-1829
Vice President: John C. Calhoun
THESIS
As the sixth president of the United States John Q. Adams deserves an C+ for his efforts. Although he was known for specific things like foreign policy and international negotiations he lacked a connection with the people. Adams was not able to obtain a great network of supporters even though he maintained American values. Leading during the ear of modernization he was involved in the development of communication, transportation, and infrastructure. With techonological advances came a new sense of religion, exchange of goods and a strong flow of money. These things were important but without instilling a sense of inspiration and hope within the people, Adams could not achieve his full potential.
GOALS
Adams had his mind set on an America with a stable economy and strong central government. He enforced a high tariff in order to make international improvements. He encouraged railroad building and a national bank for productive enterprise. Although Adams had all these goals in mind it was difficult for him to achieve them without the support of his political party and the public. The projects which progress was made on were: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Dismal Swamp Canal, connection of the Great Lakes, Portland to Louisville Canal, and the extension of Cumberland road. Adams signed the tariff of 1828 which hurt the south because they had to pay higher prices for the products they did not produce. This tariff caused Adams to lose popularity in the south and the people were angered. Another important factor of Adams presidency was the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine ensured that the west would not continue to become colonized by Europe. Overall, the main goal of his presidency was to improve the lives of Americans by providing better schools and a stable industry.
CONGRESS
Unable to demand public support Adams didnt have and genuine relationship with congress. His internal improvements and slowing down westward movement caused some to believe that he was a partner of the "corrupt bargain" to get Clay's support. When certain members of his cabinet began to oppose him he refused to let them go and even thought about appointing Jackson. In 1827 Adams and Clay set up the "National Republican Party". It was not popular within the stated and Adams soon lost control of congress. If Adams would have replaced the members that supported Jackson he would have been able to have more support and less obstacles.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE OUTCOMES
Adams had a hard time as president and some people even consider him a failure but his time in office was vital to the growth and expansion of America. Without the motive and drive of Adams we might not be as technologically advanced as we are today. He paved the way so that American industry could prosper. Many didnt support his reforms or tariffs but he was driven enough to push them as far as he could. I believe that Adams wouldnt have been seen as such a big failure if he had not been involved in so many schemes and rumors. He seemed more interested in pushing the country rather than pushing the relationships with those around him.
FUTURE IMPACT/CONCLUSION
Overall Adams presidency had a major impact on the amount of development of the United States. There was more access to other parts of the country and we had better means of contacting one another. In the election of 1828 Jackson overshadowed him with the hope and support from the people. Adams name and presidency may have been considered a bad phase in the past but his contributions remain.
SOURCES
1.) 1828, signing into law the Tariff of. "John Quincy Adams - Bing Reference." Bing. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Mar. 2010. <http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml/John_Quincy_Adams?src=abop&fwd=1&q=john+quincy+adams&qpvt=john+quincy+adams>.
2.) " John Quincy Adams Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about John Quincy Adams." Encyclopedia - Online Dictionary | Encyclopedia.com: Get facts, articles, pictures, video. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Mar. 2010. <http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/John_Quincy_Adams.aspx>.
3.) "John Quincy Adams - Presidentialpedia." Presidentialpedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Mar. 2010. http://president.wikia.com/wiki/John_Quincy_Adams